Call To Worship

I sat down to eat my humble sandwich dinner of cheese and butter on 9 grain bread and thought, I want to write a blog tonight.  So, my next task-figure out what I want to write about. 

I walked over to the cupboard to round out my "dinner" with some Wheat Thins.  I put my small used plate (from my sandwich) on the counter and thought...hmmm, I can use this plate and put some crackers on there.  So I pulled the cracker box off the shelf and walked to the counter to fill my plate and saw a paper that said "Call to Worship" on it.  Perfect.  That inspiring line will be my focal point.

In all things we are called to worship.  When things are not going as we desire, we are called to worship.  When moments are overflowing with evident blessings, we are called to worship.  When times are frustrating, yet again, we are called to worship. 

It is so easy to worship out of thanksgiving when we receive something that we have been waiting for or when we are pleased with how life is going.  But, what about those times where everything is not just as you would like.  What about those times when your defiant child is being, well, defiant?  What about those times where your plans are changed and you did not want them to be changed.  What about those times where a loved one is hurt emotionally or physically?  What about when honesty does not prevail a hierarchy of politics in the business environment?  What if all my "what if" examples occurred today and I was feeling overwhelmed with sadness in many areas?  Yes, it is then that I need to remember we are called to worship in the good times and bad.  

One of my remembered quotes from my father-in-law is "Nothing is a surprise to God."  God knows what is occurring in everyone's life as well as in everyone's heart.  He knows where we need to rely more on him and He knows where we feel solid in Him.  God is available as a friend, mentor, encourager, and supporter.  My job is to give Him the worship He deserves (in all circumstances!) and to turn my burdens over to Him. 

For my child who is having moments of deviancy, I pray God will soften his sweet heart to be more loving, gentle and rational with ears and a tongue of respect.  For my plans that were changed this morning, I thank you God that I had prayer time at home instead of at church because apparently my prayers were needed to be focused on where I was this morning, at home.  To my friend who is emotionally hurting after job complications, I pray God uses this time as a refreshment and that there is something great waiting for your sweet compassionate ways.  To my friend who is struggling with business hierarchy, I pray that you will be a bright light to those around you and not feel guilty for doing your job well.  For the sadness that I experience, God I pray that it is a compassion that never ceases for people. 

I worship You God for who you are (GOD!) and for how You comfort and care for each of us. You deserve to be worshipped and I want to be one falling at Your feet giving you all the praise I can muster, in good times and in bad.  



From each cloud and below to each blade of grass and above, in all things, I worship You.



For the Love of Flowers

I have been in awe of flowers this spring.  The intensity of my admiration for the beauties grows each year.  I have a hunch that it is due to the significance of warmth that is approaching and snowy days are of the past but none the less, I am appreciating flowers greatly.  I also am enjoying experimenting with my camera.  I know I am by no means a great photographer, but hey...I enjoy the hobby none the less.
God has given me some beautiful subjects this spring to capture with a lens as well as a bit of added creativity by me.  My favorite photo of the evening is this one...


The white in the middle is the moon.

And just to entertain myself, here are a few of the runner ups from this evening's photo shoot outside.



Apparently I was taking a while with my picture-taking. I had been playing with the lighting and the flash and the angles etc.   So, when I was just taking some of our front porch (with the thought of my last blog-sitting on the porch enjoying company) Dan peeked out to see if I was out there.    So here he is too. :)

How great it is that God creates such beautiful scenery for us to enjoy.  I hope I can continue to recognize and capture the little miracles; like flowers. 

Friendly Chats and Open Houses

I miss the days where it was acceptable to walk over to someones house unannounced and be gladly welcomed with excitement.  I miss the times of sitting on a front porch drinking lemonade in a lawn chair and talking about every day life.  I miss the casual culture of yester-year.  But is it really gone?

I remember sitting in the screened in porch at my grandparents house in NH listening to the brook and having "coffee break" and seeing friend's cars come strolling down the driveway, unannounced.  I thought that was normal growing up.  There was no need to call ahead (unless you needed a ride!) and there was no reason to worry about the state of cleanliness of your home.  When company came, they were greeted warmly and treated like family.   We'd pull out the donut jar, fill up another cup or mug of their desired beverage, scoot another chair closer to the table, and deal another hand for the card game being played.   And if the company could stay long enough, there was another dish at the table.   There was no feeling awkward as a visitor.  It was like one big happy family. And, just another day.

Time has changed.  Culture has changed.  It just does not seem polite to show up unannounced.  People have such tight schedules that arriving unannounced at someone else's home may inconvenience them because there is something that needs to get done or somewhere they have to be.  We have too many conveniences that make us not be able to just sit and relax and enjoy God's creation...including people above all else! 

Today I had the pleasure of taking my boys to a friends house to swim and just hang out.  We were invited to stay for dinner, and it just felt like there was a sense of that old fashioned charm, acceptance and friendship that comes with open hospitality.  There was no pressure to have a big fancy meal planned (although the burgers and bonus fixings were yummy!).  That is the niceness (if that is even a word!) of casual enjoyment with friends.  There is no show.  It is real friendship. 

I really enjoy the open door policy.  If we are home, come on in and make yourself at home.  I don't want to be the rigid type that has to plan everything out.  I want to continue working toward the casual, screened in porch dwelling with a donut and beverage, hoping someone randomly comes over to enjoy the company and friendship of my family.  So, here is my invitation...do not hesitate to stop by for a chat!  If you stay long enough, I will fire up the grill and cook you some burgers too. 

Thank you to my dear friend from today who reminded me of the type of friendship I long for!  You are a special family and we pray for you all often.